Kerry Healey on Drugs

Mandatory reporting and tracking of overdose patients

Kerry Healey today endorsed Senate legislation that would require hospitals and clinics that treat heroin or other opioid overdoses to report such cases to the state Department of Public Health. The names and identities of patients admitted for treatment
would not be collected under the bill. "During meetings with local law enforcement, I heard time and again how powerful this tracking tool could be in confronting heroin abuse in Massachusetts," said Healey. "This tracking system will allow us to
target resources more quickly and efficiently, helping us to save lives and stop illegal drugs from destroying our communities."

The legislation would require hospitals and clinics to file reports that include key data about patients that have been
treated for the abuse of heroin or other opioids such as OxyContin. The Romney administration has a strong track record of working to combat heroin abuse and addiction, as well as substance abuse prevention and treatment services.